Program News 2003
A Christmas Wish Come True for the Young Women in Marian Hall
Thanks to the generosity of the RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation, this past December the young women in our Marian Hall residence were treated to a performance of Russell Simmon's Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. The show includes performances by various artists in the form of spoken word, poetry, slams and haiku. It had been advertising on television for weeks, and several of the girls had expressed a desire to attend the show, but knew that the high cost of tickets was an obstacle. At the Marian Hall holiday party the young women were delighted when staff announced that RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation had donated the tickets to the residence.
For most of the young women who went that night, it was their first experience of attending a Broadway Show. The girls had a great view of the show from orchestra seats in the historical Longacre Theatre. The performance was a multicultural mix of poetry presented by men and women who spoke about experiences that ranged from domestic abuse and gaining the strength to finally leave the abusive relationship, to funny stories and a Spanish girl giving an account of learning how to cook her ethnic foods. The young women described the performances as "real", "terrific" and "really deep." Self-respect was a big theme, and especially touched the hearts of the girls. After the show, residents and staff had a special dinner in Chinatown where they discussed the performances. The entire experience was a wonderful gift for the young women of Marian Hall.
January 16, 2003
